Cokayne Returns as England Women's Rugby Unbeaten Streak Faces Test Against Canada
Experienced hooker Amy Cokayne is back for England as they prepare to defend their 41-match unbeaten run against a strong Canadian side in Toronto.
England welcomes back experienced hooker Amy Cokayne for their upcoming match against Canada in Toronto, aiming to extend their 41-match unbeaten streak. Cokayne returns to Test rugby for the first time since scoring England's final try in their Grand Slam-winning victory over France in May. Bryony Field, who deputized effectively during the WXV Global Series last month, moves to the bench. It was during that series that Canada ended England's nearly four-year winning streak with a 26-26 draw in Exeter.
Canada's coach Kevin Rouet has identified victory over England as a primary objective for 2026, and this series marks the team's first home matches in over 14 months. The two matches against England have been branded as the hosts' Rugby Rematch Tour, with a second fixture scheduled for Ottawa on October 23.
The match in Toronto is anticipated to draw a crowd exceeding 14,000, which would set a new record for a standalone women's rugby match in North America, surpassing the 11,453 attendees who watched Canada's recent home win against the United States.
In other team news for England, prop Hannah Botterman is included after appearing as a replacement in the team's recent dramatic win over New Zealand. With Marlie Packer remaining in England due to her partner and teammate Rosie Galligan's impending childbirth, Abi Burton will take a spot in the back row. Tatyana Heard's direct running style has been selected over Helena Rowland's playmaking at inside center. Sadia Kabeya, who missed the match against the Black Ferns due to a leg injury, is named on the bench, as is 20-year-old Demelza Short, who provides cover at second row.
England head coach John Mitchell stated that the first Test in Exeter provided a valuable opportunity to test their game under pressure and identify areas for improvement. He added that playing in Toronto offers a different environment and challenge, and the team is eager to express their game, enhance their performance, and continue their development.
England's last defeat occurred in the Rugby World Cup final against New Zealand in November 2022.
England's starting lineup: Kildunne; Breach, Jones, Heard, Moloney-MacDonald; Harrison, L Packer; Botterman, Cokayne, Bern, Talling, Ives Campion, Burton, Matthews, Feaunati.
Replacements: Field, Carson, Muir, Short, Kabeya, Hunt, Rowland, Sing.